Retribution

Chapter Thirteen

Without warning, the lights flickered, and in the next second, the room was shrouded in darkness. It was cloudy outside, so there was no sun to lighten the mood. I flicked the light switch just to make sure it was a faulty fuse, but the lights didn't coordinate with the switch.

"You have got to be kidding me," I muttered under my breath.

Curious to see if it was just the classroom, I reached for the door handle, but not before Reyna jumped out of her seat and grabbed my hand.

"Mom," she hissed, "What do you think you're doing?"

"I just want to check," I replied, "I'm just looking. That's all."

"Are you crazy? I just saw a couple hooded people run toward the building. We're under attack!"

Hooded people? Impossible.

A voice suddenly squeaked through the PA. It sounded like Mrs. Davidson, but her voice was shaky and the speaker sounded like it was breaking in and out. Almost like a phone call with poor reception.

"St-students. . .Fac. . .ulty. . .staff," she muttered, "we are experiencing some problems here in the school-" A brief moment of silence. "-please keep your doors locked. Reme...mber that they lock from the outside thank you!"

The last part of her sentence sounded like she had a time limit for recording her warning. This was more than just a faulty fuse. It was far too intentional to be true. If it were a complete power outage, then the PA would never work. Completely, that is.

"Sounds like she needs help," I said to myself.

"I'm sure the police will find us," a student reassured.

A thought crossed my mind. "Who snuck their phone into class?"

My class shared glances at one another.

"I'm allowing it this time."

It was apparent that not a single one of them smuggled their phone in. It was up to me to take my phone out and call the police, but when I found it, the battery was dead. I had forgotten to charge it last night.

"It might take them longer than we think."

I went to my desk and pulled out the drawer that contained my gun. I quickly filled the cartridge with ammunition and cocked it. There was no way I was scoping unarmed. Every single student, except Reyna, gawked at me, their jaws to the floor. I forged on toward the door, but Reyna stopped me again.

"Please don't do this!"

I swerved around her and grabbed the handle. "I have got to take a look around. And did you hear how Mrs. Davidson talked?"

"That doesn't mean-"

"I'm the only one with a weapon here. Please watch the class for me, will you?"

"But Mom-"

"Please."

She reluctantly stepped out of my way. I placed a hand on her shoulder.

"I love you, sweetie. Take care."

And that was probably the last time I saw her in that hour.

With my gun ready, I slowly took my time making my way to the main hallway to the principle's office. As I passed the bathrooms, one of the doors creaked open. Suspicious, I spun around, pointing my gun at no one but the lockers and a lone drinking fountain. Must have been someone peeking out to see if the coast was clear. But that can't be--

A gunshot rang out. Before I knew it, there was a slight bullet hole in the men's bathroom door. A young girl wearing a tank top behind me aimed her gun at my head. She looked petrified and she was shaking uncontrollably.